Judges are ringside spectators who judge the match and determine the final judgment if no knockout or disqualification occurs. This really depends on where youre based as each commission is differently run. It is important that referees have a comprehensive understanding of the sport and be able to make quick decisions in the heat of the moment. Its a long way from getting your licence to becoming Big John and most of the referees dont even make it that far up. To be eligible for certification, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to knowledge and experience of the sport. I told Rorion, 'I can't do that again. MMA Officials Training Goddard MMA In a world where most referees look the same, you should aim to stand out and get noticed. Expect a lot of chasing down, and be prepared to get annoyed. No? I have to do whats right. detailed insight into this aspect of decision-making in the MMA. You must understand what the competitors may and may not do; you must understand how to work with the judges; you must understand what causes a fighter to be (un)prepared for a fight; you must understand a lot of information. For example, referees have the opportunity to travel and attend events, gain insight into the sport, and be part of a growing industry. So what if he's throwing punches? He can deduce points for rule violations, he can stop a fight, declare a fighter as unfit for further combat, but he cannot influence the final decision about the winner. Gerard Gordeau, a kickboxer, fought Teila Tuli, a sumo wrestler, in the first UFC fight, and Joao Alberto Barreto, a Brazilian black belt who trained under the Gracie family, was the referee. A Class C Cutman should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Unified Rules of MMA. Manage Settings An entry-level MMA referee earns around $250 each fight, or roughly $14,500 annually. To be successful in their application for a Class A licence, a Class B Cutman must demonstrate; In order to be eligible to participate in an IMMAF International Cutman Certification course, participants must already have a national level Cutman Certificates Grades C & B and have a minimum of two years national level experience. We can all acknowledge that an MMA ref is essential in making a fight honest and safe. Without sounding too pessimistic, nepotism is alive and well on the MMA referee circuit, at least thats according to internet rumors. Your best bet is obviously to be training in an MMA gym and then speak to the coaches about attending events where you can network with officials and small time promotors. For instance, if theres a ref who loves boxing then they may break up grappling exchanges quicker because they dont fully understand them. No MMA fights have a lot of other participants, whose roles can be as essential as the ones the fighters have. I personally encourage and develop new blood in the mixed martial arts scene by holding seminars for would-be officials to attend. Every moment in life, good or bad, can become a teachable moment. Obtaining a state license may be a long and arduous procedure for something that should be straightforward. MMA referees are a third person inside the cage overseeing the action, while MMA judges sit outside the cage. The salary for MMA referees is highly variable, depending on the jurisdiction and level of competition. A Class C course certificate of attendance enables participants to shadow experienced, IMMAF qualified Cutmen of Class A level. FA REFEREE COURSE. They usually offer courses that last for several weeks and demand that you do some practical work while shadow refereeing. The course covers: The Unified Rules of MMA. The next thing you need to know is the rules, which are both anticipated and rational. Get dedicated, apply yourself and you will succeed. A referee must know all the methods, movements, and terminology. MMA referee certifications vary from organization to organization. If it's you taking the blame to protect the fighter, take the blame. Unfortunately, there is no equality across different groups or even genders. Do it! That doesnt seem reasonable, does it now? But it doesnt imply that deaths in MMA havent occurred previously. According to Big John himself, his COMMAND course has three necessary prerequisites, without which you will not pass his courses and get the licence you want so badly. MMA Referee School | LinkedIn How to become a professional MMA referee - BudoDragon "Some of these fighters didn't know how to fight this way and their corners were too stupid to protect them. A man of his word, McCarthy happily failed me after my three days in his course because, frankly, I didn't know what I was doing. There are actually a lot of technicalities, formalities, and weird, uncommon rules that you may need to learn that can be picked up in these courses. The public commissions are state-certified boards that are authorised to issue refereeing licences to individuals under their jurisdiction. There's always going to be something you haven't seen or heard before. It may be tough to get assigned before officials and judges who have already established themselves within state sports commissions or amateur MMA-sanctioning bodies. I'm doing that because I'm protecting Frank. Last is the practical component of watching and scoring fights for judges. Equal work demands equal pay! A referee must be a knowledgeable person knowing everything about the fight, the rules and the laws of previous precedence. It's not about making the fans happy. Referees must also understand the importance of their role and the responsibility that comes with it. Chuck Norris still trains well into his 80s, Entrepreneur Gary Vee gives advice to upcoming fighters. For starters, it is incredibly important to have a thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of MMA. In truth, Joo Carvalho died after his battle with one of Conor McGregors pals. According to the information available around the Internet, McCarthys COMMAND course has around 115 different terms you need to memorise and be able to talk about. A fighter to your right, their opponent on your left. Until next time! Become a football referee - The FA England Awards The second step is to attend an MMA referee course and pass an exam. Weve already said that you need a licence to become a referee, but before you get a licence you have to complete a course. Several variables influence the pay of UFC officials and referees. This includes familiarizing yourself with the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, which are the official regulations for professional MMA competitions. This means that to break the cycle, you need to be a fantastic ref. He is also in charge of declaring the winner, but his real powers are restricted. Additionally, experienced referees may also be sought after to officiate high-profile fights. "I've had athletic commissions ask me about my students," McCarthy said. Another crucial point to mention is that a referee must continually monitor and stay current with changes. So he said, 'OK, no fish hooking or whatever you're calling it.' The truth is, it didn't take long for me to realize I was in over my head in the class. However, judges must take into consideration the shoulders of a boxer as being in the scoring zone. Well, the answer is simple - you become a referee by obtaining a licence! "People are starting to understand it and get it. There was a time when there was no right or wrong in mixed martial arts. In fact, when the very first UFC event was held 25 years ago, the company boasted there were "no rules, no scores and no time limits.". While judging can be subjective, instructors want to know if you are able to score a fight correctly and are "within the acceptable tolerances." Generally, most state athletic commissions will require you to obtain a physical and in some cases an eye exam and then want you to have some sort of training. A lot of the time, MMA refs do have a background in fighting which makes sense. I remember feeling instantly comfortable with the fighters, as we shared the same changing areas at some of the shows Id fought on previously. Well, what are you waiting for? So, what exactly do you require? So thats about it, right? This represents most state athletic commissions in this group. With this course, you will acquire Judge and Referee certificates. Hes responsible for announcing the winner, but his actual powers are quite limited. 15 Most Famous UFC Referees Of All Time - Way of Martial Arts When it comes to becoming an MMA referee, there are several types of referees that one can become. What is he hitting? As I struggle to get up from the ground, legendary MMA referee "Big" John McCarthy, who was at one time as synonymous with the UFC as the Octagon itself, gives me a hand as I make my way back to my seat. MMA now has extremely well-defined and explicit regulations to master before entering the combat arena. This is something that differs from state to state and each country has different rules surrounding a referees license. When it comes to becoming an MMA referee, there is a lot that goes into it. That moment for me came when I tore the cartilage in my ribs. When it comes to becoming a successful MMA referee, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the certifications available and the qualifications and requirements needed to obtain them. Although the role of a UFC referee differs from that of a fighter, refs must still be able to fight before entering the cage. Of course, these are only official figures, and there are reports that some of them are significantly higher. I still want to stay on the scene though. So, your career is going to start off slowly. In summary, becoming a professional MMA ref is easier than becoming a professional MMA fighter, but its certainly not easy. Ironically, some referees have also made headlines for the wrong reasons over the years whereby theyve made controversial decisions. One of those paths takes you through a public commission. Finally, referees must be able to maintain order in the ring or cage. On average, an MMA referee can make around $50,000 a year depending on the number of fights and the experience they have. It is also helpful to attend fights and observe the referees in action. The final and fourth test is a scenario test, which is given concurrently with the practical implementation test. Remember, its always much easier as an armchair fan compared to someone who does it for a living. He's famous for being a great ref, but for being the biggest ref in all MMA, too - even bigger than Big John. I will not put someone in that cage that doesn't know what they're doing.". A female MMA referee earns around $1,000 for each fight, with approximately a $3,500 incentive for PPV events. I suck at teaching so coaching is out. Yet, women referees average about $1,000 per fight if they have a high reputation, but its usually even less than that. To get a license, you will need to directly contact your states athletic commission to get a license. Even if you believe you know everything there is to know about MMA qualifications, the truth is that you likely dont. "I want you to leave knowing more about the sport of MMA and more about what's important for the officials than you ever knew in the past. Honestly, these are two of the best to ever do it so its possibly worth the investment. Online MMA Referee School, Workshop, Training Manuals and information to help you learn how to become a licensed, certified MMA Referee. A UFC referee must recognize when someone is unconscious because of too many blows or kicks to the head, which might result in death. In order to qualify, potential referees must be familiar with the sport and its rules and possess an eye for detail. Additionally, referees must also understand the rules and regulations of MMA and any changes that may arise. He needs more time. "You were in a position where you felt pressure from side control and it immediately changed your perspective on side control," Herzog said. "I owe it to the fighters to fail you if you don't know what you're doing.". One thing is for sure if you do get licensed and ever make it to the big shows be prepared to take a ton of criticism. A referees training is not complete when he gets a licence. They score each round based on the competitors performance, deduct points for rule breaches, and eventually declare the winner if both fighters still stand after the fight. These include the opportunity to travel and attend events, the chance to work with professional athletes, the opportunity to gain insight into the sport, and the opportunity to be part of a growing industry. Where the referee works, which promotion they are affiliated with, and their level of experience all play a role in determining their salary. There are four sections of testing for certification; you must pass all four sections with a 90% or better (in each section) in order to be certified. Obviously, knowing a mixture of martial arts probably helps him make accurate calls when analyzing a fight. I can't do that.'". 10 point must, scoring criteria and its application. Based on the publicly available data for 2020, a professional UFC referee earns as much $1,500 per regular match or about $380,000 per year. Realistically though, it probably helps. What you learn in that course and how you utilize it will determine whether you can apply for (or purchase) a license. It would end up being McCarthy's last UFC event as a spectator. IMMAF awards licenses for refereeing and judging internationally in MMA. Three persons truly matter in every spectacular UFC fight. We have even created the very first Mixed Martial Arts Referee Rules Handbook - available on our website. You cannot be an arbiter, a referee if you dont know the rules you have to apply. first aid courses, wound care, research, evidence based an referenced articles which can be published or submitted for review through IMMAF. Some promoters may offer a flat fee for services rendered, while more experienced referees may be paid more for higher levels of competition. Again, the fans might not agree with you a lot of them do come to these types of events just to see the brutality of the fights but youre not there to please them, youre there to protect the game. So, if you want to become an MMA referee, keep in mind that youll have to educate yourself until you decide to retire. So, how much do they get paid? Of course they had to stop the fighters from killing themselves. In short, if theres a friend of a promotion or state commission, theres a good chance theyll be given the job ahead of you. Find out more on our Information for Referees page. Hope this helps :) We appreciate your support and thank you for your purchases, as they sustain our magazine and allow us to bring you the best content.Our experts use a first-hand testing and reviewing method. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. He can, but if anything goes wrong, people will eat him alive and he doesn't deserve that right now. Sadly, there is no equality between different categories or even genders. The ABC, or Association of Boxing and Combative Sports Commissions, is the most well-known training organization in the United States. There are some groups that argue that having a background in a certain martial art can be a negative. I know the ground, I know the stand up and I don't mind seeing people get hurt.". Additionally, referees must also remain impartial during fights. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How Can I Become An MMA Referee? - MMA Panda Apart from the previously mentioned, if various courses are accessible, you could be able to practice them. This means not only knowing the rules, but also being able to enforce them. I found myself on my back after a conversation with Herzog on when to stand fighters up when he realized I had never actually trained in mixed martial arts. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It doesn't mean anything.". This is the message I try to emphasise to people looking to take their first step into the world of MMA officiating. Its worth noting that certain state departments are notoriously delayed or difficult to reach. The fact is that there is a basic salary for different categories of referees and it increases based on their reputation, the event and the money the promotor gives out for each event. "This is not about you," McCarthy said. "It was then when Rorion turned to me and said, 'I need you to referee fights for me.' Having experience of training in at least one element (but preferably more) of MMA is essential. Why is it important to have a certification to become an MMA referee? However, nothing similar has happened in the UFC yet. I am one of the 30 students in the class because I think I have what it takes to be an MMA referee and judge. Joo Alberto Barreto, a Brazilian black belt, was the referee and soon after stopping the match he entered into a fight with Rorion Gracie; Barreto yelled that Tuli was unable to continue the fight and that he had the right to make that call, while Gracie argued that he could not do it because there were no rules. When they can't protect themselves, you do. Additionally, certifying from a recognized MMA organization is essential, This ensures that the referee has the necessary training to properly officiate fights. The first step to becoming an MMA referee is to understand the rules and regulations of the sport. The courses cover topics such as the rules of the sport, safety protocols, and the responsibilities of a referee. Mike Beltran, for example, has a highly distinct appearance, while Mario Yamasaki has his signature heart logo. Who did the most damage? Referees such as John McCarthy, Herb Dean, and Mario Yamasaki are renowned for their knowledge and ability to control fights. Be consistent and make a name for yourself, Nepotism exists on the MMA referee circuit. How to become an MMA & Kickboxing referee (UK) I have, after much deliberation, decided to put down my gloves on competitive fighting (I'll probably still do Judo and BJJ comps). Similarly, if they officiate more fights, their chances of making more increase. fighter safety first over self promotion, adherence to the use of natural hemostatic agents only (i.e. Are you asking yourself how to become an MMA referee? It is important to check with the governing body of the sport to understand the necessary steps for certification. Back in 1993, when MMA started with the UFC 1 event in Denver, CO, the sport was officially advertised as having no rules, no scores and no time limits. The final step in becoming a referee is to gain experience in the MMA field. While the knowledge may not be as exact, you will most likely learn something, and it will most likely cost less. In fact, there are simply too many in certain states to keep everybody working regularly. Mach Headquarters Gym, Birmingham. Youre not there to satisfy the audience who would undoubtedly scream at you a lot if you follow the rules youre there to keep the combatants from becoming too aggressive, i.e., to defend the fighters as well as the event, not to enforce popular opinion, and so on. It is important to understand the rules and regulations of MMA, as well as any changes that may arise, in order to ensure fair and impartial officiating. Copyright 2023 Way of Martial Arts While most people in the class probably dream of being the next McCarthy, working the center of the Octagon for a big UFC pay-per-view, the truth is most referees will be doing smaller shows in gyms that seat hundreds rather than thousands of fans, just lucky to be making hundreds rather than thousands of dollars. This can be done by attending amateur or professional competitions and observing experienced referees in action. A licence can be obtained either from a public commission or via private courses. For example, entry-level and female refs earn far less than professionals. This is crucial to being a successful referee. The criteria is very strict and you have to be able to, after completing the course, freely and normally communicate with McCarthy and his colleagues about the specific topics and issues related to MMA and the fights. After passing the written exam, applicants must then complete a practical exam to demonstrate their ability to referee a match. Also, dont expect to get paid much for your first MMA venture. Refereeing | WPBSA | Snooker What Are the Prerequisites to Become an MMA Referee? Referees must also have excellent physical fitness and stamina. These include their. I do not believe in modern MMA that it is imperative to have competed in the sport to be a good referee, but this was over 10 years ago when MMA was still basically in its infancy in the UK, and a little extra experience went a long way. He can deduct points for rule infractions, stop a fight, and declare a combatant unfit for further battle, but he cannot influence the winners decision. The reason for this is its a notoriously tough industry to crack and there are not too many spare jobs going around. How to become an MMA referee in the UK. - forumotion.com There are two fighters, but there is also the referee who ensures that the fight is clean and fair. Promoters often offer a flat fee for services rendered, while more experienced referees will be paid more for higher levels of competition. As mentioned in the previous section, theres also the point of nepotism. The path to becoming an MMA referee is not simple and it demands quite a lot of you. This is not to imply you should abandon your desire to be a referee or judge. The aim is to provide participants with a general education in the field and the course is designed as an introduction for participants who would like to progress to the Class B licensing course. "Actually, the very first fight at UFC 1 got me my job to be an official.". I was due to fight at a particular event, I got injured and had to subsequently withdraw from my scheduled bout. If you would like to become a qualified referee you need to complete the FA Referee Course. I'm on my back on the second floor of Randy Couture's Xtreme Couture MMA gym, wondering whether the last image I would ever see is the smiling face of MMA referee Jason Herzog as he leans on me and applies more pressure to my chest. Try googling "How to become a ref in mma" or go to __where ever you live__ athletic commision and Im . Youll start your career in smaller events, probably state or regional ones. "Barreto comes in and stops it and you'll notice there's this argument between Rorion Gracie and Barreto, and basically Barreto is saying this guy can't fight and Rorion is saying you can't stop it," McCarthy said. McCarthy is in Las Vegas leading his popular three-day referee and judge training course called COMMAND (Certification of Officials for Mixed Martial Arts National Development). But, after completing the necessary courses and the necessary practical work, you can buy a licence from the commission for around $100, which is actually not that expensive. But perhaps the most important piece of advice I give on this subject is something that holds true in any industry you simply have to put the hours, days, weeks, months and years into building your profile, your experience and your reputation. In other words, you can have all the information in the world, but it will be useless without a license. Weve talked about the best MMA referees, about their salaries and now were going to tell you how to become one of them. Big John McCarthy and Jerin Valel, MMA industry and subject matter specialists teach all three of these courses: This course is highly challenging, and it is not ideal for individuals who are unfamiliar with MMA. I dont give a fk. To become an MMA referee, there are a few key requirements one must fulfill. Dan Miragliotta is a Hall of Fame UFC referee and deserves the No-Nonsense nickname he got. Another important thing worth noting is the fact that a referee has to constantly follow the changes and has to be kept up to date. COMMAND isn't the only referee certification course available, but it's one of the most popular.